Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative recently added three new members to the team. Allow us to introduce Valerie Bohner, Samantha Kuhn and Steve Smith.

Valerie Bohner
Part-time cashier
Start date: Oct. 18, 2017
From: Oakwood
Why PPEC? “I was drawn to the family atmosphere at the co-op. Everyone is so nice and helpful.”
Duties: Process payments, manage the drive-through window, handle phone calls, file paperwork, and help members solve problems.
Fun facts: An avid gardener and baker, Bohner isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. In her spare time, she rides four-wheelers and lets her artsy side loose by remodeling homes with her husband.
Job perks: She looks forward to new opportunities within PPEC and rests easy knowing she has full support from her co-workers. “That’s one of my favorite things: They are always willing to help when I have questions,” Bohner said.
Quote to live by: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the BIG things!” — Robert Brault

Samantha Kuhn
Communications coordinator
Start date:
May 30, 2018
From: Defiance
Why PPEC? “Working for a co-op is the best thing I’ve ever done — after marrying my husband. I’ve grown up with co-ops and came from PPEC’s statewide organization in Columbus before moving home. I’m proud to stand behind the not-for-profit co-op business model and work to make a difference locally.”
Duties: Create local pages for this magazine, manage social media, write and design various materials, and other shared services among four northwest Ohio co-ops.
Fun facts: When she isn’t exploring all the Buckeye State has to offer, she can be found drinking coffee and brainstorming new ideas with her three cats. She enjoys adventure 5Ks, biking, TED talks, and road trips.
Job perks: She’s excited to implement new ways to tell PPEC’s ever-evolving story, as well as those of members. “I admire that the staff here doesn’t back down from challenges —especially when our members have a need.”
Quote to live by: “It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.” — Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Steve Smith
Part-time storekeeper/maintenance
Start date:
June 11, 2018
From:
Mark Center
Why PPEC? “I’m actually retired after 34 years with Chase Brass and Copper Company in Montpelier, but this position was exactly what I wanted: to get out of the house and get some fresh air.”
Duties: Load and unload trucks, organize the warehouse, and provide an extra hand (or two) when needed.
Fun facts: A natural outdoorsman, Smith can often be found floating in his canoes and kayaks, sometimes trekking over to Angola, Indiana, for a peaceful day. He also finds himself hunting and fishing with his three children and 15 grandkids.
Job perks: He looks forward to the routine he’ll build and to learning more about the electric industry. “This is a great place to be,” he said.
Quote to live by: “Be good to one another.” — Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, 1989 science fiction comedy